Squirrel Flower, Dari Bay, Hill View 73 at The EARL

CRITIC’S PICK
Wed., Oct. 7

Squirrel Flower, The EARL — The alias of Boston-bred singer songwriter and visual artist Ella O’Connor Williams has grown from the sweet but edgy indie folk rock of her 2020 debut to a dynamic new sixth recording vividly titled Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going. Her voice swoops and soars whether she’s playing solo acoustic or on tracks where a full band grinds out Nirvana-ish support. The music, even at its most raw and propulsive, never overwhelms Williams’ dreamy vocals or introspective lyrics. The combination is invigoratingly creative and often intense. Those who remember Belly will likely appreciate her sometimes similarly-styled approach. — Hal Horowitz